FEAR THE HUNTERS concludes! For Rick to ensure the group’s safety, they must do unspeakable things. This deluxe presentation in STUNNING FULL COLOR also features another installment of Cutting Room Floor and creator commentary.
Robert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
The tension from the last issue has left me anxious to see the fallout from Rick's brutal confrontation with the cannibals, known as the Hunters. The stakes have never been higher, and I’m eager to witness the consequences of their violent choices and how they will shape the group moving forward.
The issue kicks off with Rick clearly asserting the upper hand against Chris and the Hunters. The desperation in Chris’s pleas highlights the thin line between predator and prey in this harsh new world. Rick, ever the strategist, leverages their advantage while also taunting the Hunters about the possibility of his group eating them instead. This moment encapsulates Rick’s transformation from a reluctant leader to someone who is willing to embrace the brutal reality of their survival.
As Rick orders the Hunters to be bound and placed on a picnic table, the narrative takes a dark turn. The ensuing massacre is depicted in a chilling montage, with the Hunters meeting their end by knives, Michonne’s katana, and Rick’s axe. The visual storytelling effectively communicates the chaos and violence, emphasizing the grim reality of their actions as the bodies are burned. Gabriel’s horror is palpable; he represents the moral conscience of the group, struggling to reconcile their survival instincts with the heinous acts they’ve committed.
Abraham’s reaction is equally visceral. He believes that eliminating the Hunters was necessary, but Rick acknowledges the weight of their actions, indicating a depth of character that is often overshadowed by the immediate survival tactics. The conflict between Abraham and Gabriel is a powerful reminder of the different philosophies within the group regarding morality and survival. Rick’s attempts to mediate reflect his evolving leadership style; he’s learning that maintaining a united front is as crucial as making hard decisions.
Returning to their group, Rick finds Maggie in tears, not over Dale’s impending fate but for Glenn’s suffering and the trauma of their recent ordeal. This emotional layer adds depth to the narrative, showcasing how interconnected their fates are. Rick’s reunion with Carl is particularly poignant; the frustration Carl feels about Rick leaving emphasizes the strain their circumstances place on familial bonds.
The intimate moment between Dale and Rick is a highlight of the issue. Dale’s acknowledgment of Rick’s leadership and his apology for past accusations signify a crucial moment of character development. Their interaction serves as a reminder of the weight of leadership in a world ravaged by death and despair. Dale’s acceptance of Rick as a leader reflects the group's need for hope and guidance amidst the chaos.
However, the night brings tragedy as Dale passes away. The scene where Andrea cries for him captures the emotional toll of their existence; it’s a raw portrayal of loss that resonates deeply. Rick’s reflection on the massacre of the Hunters highlights his internal struggle with the cycle of violence they find themselves trapped in.
The climactic moment occurs with a gunshot that pierces the night, jolting Rick from his thoughts. The reveal of Carl standing behind him, not Abraham, adds a layer of emotional complexity. The bond between father and son is tested as Carl reveals he has killed Ben. This admission shifts the focus of the narrative, showcasing the impact of their harsh reality on Carl’s moral compass and emotional development.
This issue showcases a markedly different Rick, colder and more ruthless than ever. His willingness to disregard Chris’s pleas for mercy underscores the emotional distance he has traveled. The juxtaposition of Gabriel’s moral stance against his hypocritical past actions raises questions about the nature of righteousness in their world. Gabriel’s insistence that there’s no justification for slaughter is hard to accept when he previously turned away those seeking help.
Dale’s death leaves a bittersweet note; while it’s tragic, his character development throughout the series makes his passing feel meaningful. He will be remembered not just for his demise but for the growth he experienced alongside the other survivors.
The shock of Carl revealing his actions regarding Ben adds a powerful layer to the narrative. It illustrates how deeply the world has affected him and emphasizes the harsh reality that even the youngest must confront their moral decisions. Rick’s emotional turmoil about the Hunters’ massacre contrasts sharply with Carl’s admission, foreshadowing the potential rift in their relationship as they navigate this brutal landscape together.
Overall, Issue #66 serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of morality and survival in The Walking Dead. The depth of character interactions, combined with the weight of their decisions, continues to make this series an emotional rollercoaster that keeps me invested in their journey.